CAREABOUTKIDS

PARENTS: Take advantage of opportunities to use play as a way to help your child handle frustrating situations and solve simple problems. A tower of blocks that continuously collapes can drive a child to tears. You can offer a few suggestions to keep the tower up, but at the same time you should ask your child what he or she thinks is the best way to do it. Turning a bad situation into a success reinforces a child's self-confidence. Remember that many children paint and draw for no other reason than the pleasure it gives them. These activities can be easily fostered.MY WORD:Play is a child's day of work. It is just as difficult as any day we grown ups put in.

CAREABOUTKIDS

PARENTS: Teach your child not to take anything from a medicine bottle unless you give it to the child yourself or specify someone else who can give it, such as a babysitter or grandparent. Encourage your child to follow instructions. For example, invite your child to help you cook; following a recipe-measuring ingredients, cracking eggs, kneeding dough-can help children have fun while learning about step-by-step procedures. Playing simple board games with your child can give practice in following instructions and rules.MY WORD: Games either made up or official games are all learning experiences for your child.

CAREABOUTKIDS

PARENTS: Children have a fear of adult authority, the fear the adults can do anything they want. Are children taught to be independent, self-protective decision-makers? Keep books in the car for kids. Let one parent read while the other drives. Make regular vists to the library. Let children select their own books.To encourage your child to exchange information, ask your child's opinion about an idea, an object, or a situation.MY WORD: Children love being able to make their own decisions with the direction of a good parent.

CAREABOUTKIDS

PARENTS:The following information has been given to me over the years from parents. "We found our backpack to be the most versatile piece of baby equipment that we have for our ten month old daughter. My husband walks around out of doors with her in it when she is teething. And she falls asleep in it in no time. Our backpack distributes the weight evenly so even her grandparents can carry her in it. We also use it when we go shopping and for taking walks. She loves it. Other tips I received : Say something positive to your child during every conversation. Read something everyday to your child (newspaper, cookbook, childrens books, annual report, newsletters etc.). Parents are the glue that holds our society together. Raise your child to be a responsible adult. MY WORD: All good information for parents.